Spanish company PLD Space has announced the start of the system-level testing phase of its Miura 5 launcher, with the goal of a first test launch in 2027. This will be the initial step towards the launch of this first Spanish launcher, which is responsible for placing satellites into orbit on a recurring basis.
Three cars. PLD Space has three vehicles in preparation for the Miura 5. The first two are qualification units, aimed at testing at the system level. The third, however, is Flight Launcher, which is currently in the integration process.
What has been rehearsed and to be rehearsed. In a press release, the company announced that, for the time being, phase separation testing at its Teruel facilities has been completed. Now, it’s time to test the propellant loading and static ignition of the second stage, with the avionics, power, control and propulsion structures and systems already assembled.
the engine. Tests are also beginning with the first flight units of TEPRAL-C and TEPRAL-C Vac. So far, seven complete engines have been manufactured and assembled in addition to 35 combustion chambers, 40 gas generators and 15 turbopumps.
Other pieces that are already prepared. There are several parts of the various Miura 5 systems that have already been developed. This is the case with both stages of liquid oxygen tanks and most electronic boards in early cars. Testing of two cap eligibility models has also been completed. Also, 13 complete tanks built, flight avionics 100% and four sets of rockets.
Launch operations. If all goes well, Miura 5 will launch in 2027 from Kourou Spaceport in French Guiana. These facilities are already under construction and preparation for launch is underway. However, if we wait to test the launch operation directly there, it will be more complicated to repair the potential failures detected. For this reason, three pieces of equipment are already being tested to prepare and sustain the rocket until takeoff.
These are the strong back, hold-down and navel systems. The first is responsible for moving the vessel from horizontal to vertical position and then continues to support it during preparation. For its part, the second consists of a series of anchors that keep the rocket stationary at the base while the engines start. They were released just at the moment of takeoff. Finally, the umbilical system is the connections through which the rocket receives power, data, and fluids such as propellant until just before takeoff.
What is left to come. Once all the tests are completed in Teruel, the rocket can be flown to French Guiana. In the statement Xataka 2025, PLD Space CEO Raul Torres has indicated that a new phase of joint experiments with the French Space Agency (CNES) will begin there. If all goes well, the Miura 5 will be ready for launch, where the first phase of re-entry will be attempted to collect data, not expect to recover it. It is true that the dates have changed from what was originally planned, but that should be the sequence of events. Everything is going well for now.
Picture | PLD space
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